Abstract In vitro fertilisation has been used for decades and allows parents and doctors to screen embryos for genetic disorders and select healthy embryos. This paper investigates and rebuts the argument against genetic engineering and builds a strong case supporting 'designer babies'.
From the Paper "An even greater and more controversial development in medical science is the technology of stem cells developed from early pre implanted human embryo, and in the near future, the ability to manipulate DNA. The new technology of stem cells will revolutionize medicine. When someone has a heart attack cells are damaged but a dose of new cells made in the lab could cure the harm. It will be possible to cure numerous cell-based diseases like juvenile-onset diabetes and Parkinson's disease, and to make organ transplants unnecessary. An American woman recently had her sight restored using eye cells harvested from stem cells. In future procedures like this could enhance the quality of life of humankind."
Tags: cloning, fertilisation, genetics, vitro, in, dna, disease
Abstract This paper argues that although genetically engineered foods do have the potential to slightly improve the world's food supply, there is also the risk of severely damaging the world's eco system. It explains that most people stand on common ground against the genetic engineering of animals, and asks why are so many so relaxed to the dangers of genetics when plants are in question.
From the Paper "In addition to GE foods with higher nutritional content, biotech companies are starting to brand edible vaccines. Currently, vaccine treatment is very expensive and put out of reach of areas of poverty due to refrigeration costs and the need for a skilled person to give the injection. Biotech companies have used these points to make edible vaccines sound very promising, claiming foods could be genetically engineered to contain an affordable supply of necessary vaccinations. However, this is just another technology in which many holes can easily be pointed out. Few vaccines are absorbed well through the stomach due to either being to large to cross the gut wall and/or are easily broken down by enzymes in the stomach, in addition to the fact that it would be very difficult to determine proper doses (GAIN). There is also a serious concern for the release of any genetically manipulated organism; particularly in the case of vaccines due to their disease causing potential (GAIN). Imagine the possible ecological effects an entire field of a GE crop exposing a vaccine to any animals or insects which might feed on it. Also, there would still be considerable cost to edible vaccine, not real reductions as biotech companies might claim."
Abstract This paper discusses anthrax, an acute infectious disease that came into the limelight recently due to the anthrax attacks in the United States in the weeks following the September 2001 terror attacks, causing widespread panic. The paper includes information on how the disease is caused, types of anthrax, symptoms of the disease and its treatment. The paper also presents information on the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States and examines what makes anthrax a good bioterrorism agent.
Outline
Introduction
How is Anthrax Caused?
Bacillus Anthracis
Types of Anthrax and Ways in Which it can Infect Humans
Treatment
Anthrax as a Biological Weapon
The 2001 Anthrax Attacks
From the Paper "Anthrax is caused by the bacterium 'Bacillus anthracis' that is highly lethal in its virulent form. Anthrax most commonly occurs in wild and domestic animals, but it can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals, tissue from infected animals, or high concentrations of anthrax spores. Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium which causes anthrax, is rod-shaped and about 1 by 6 micrometres in size. It was the first bacterium ever to be shown to cause disease by Robert Koch in 1877. The bacteria normally rest in spore form in the soil, and can survive for decades in this state. When ingested by a plant eating animal, the bacteria starts to multiply and eventually kills the animal. They even continue to reproduce in the carcass but eventually revert back to the dormant spore state when they run out of nutrients. ("Bacillus anthracis.")"
Abstract Stem cell research is controversial in the medical as well as the religious community.This paper attempts to show how there are are many benefits to using stem cells that can help save lives. It illustrates these points and shows how many people can be helped by stem cells such as people with heart disease and diabetes.
From the Paper "Research from scientist and stem cells will be able to help people with cancer. Researchers from Texas have found a method to by-pass healthy tissue and deliver cancer treatment into the tumors. The study as been performed on mice, but Dr. Michael Andreeff hopes to do trials on humans soon. The research team used a known anti- cancer drug called beta, but it could not be used the side effect of this beta was toxic and the effects of the drug would soon dissipate after the initial injection. However the researchers used stem cells and manipulated them to encode the interferon beta gene."
Abstract This paper discusses the economic, social and health aspects of genetically modified food and argues that left uncontrolled, genetically modified foods represent an extremely serious threat to our future. The paper points out that the issue of genetically modified food must be viewed as part of the general issue of how to control technology in a democracy and that this general issue must be addressed in terms of its moral, health, economic and social implications.
From the Paper "The world easily produces enough food to feed everybody very well could easily feed the world's population without resorting to these technologies. Although there is currently a plethora of famine throughout the world, there is also a failure to apply current techniques. There is a general lack of infra structure (food banks, for example) and, of course, poverty. If humanity collectively drew up a serious plan to overcome famine throughout the world, genetically modified foods would be unnecessary. The claim that they are needed to feed the world is nonsense."
Abstract The writer contends that while there is virtually universal agreement that human cloning is neither safe nor ethically desirable, the research work being done in other cloning techniques continues to greatly interest scientists and the public alike. This paper examines the three main types cloning processes, while also discussing the ethical issues that arise from these techniques. The three cloning techniques are comprised of DNA cloning, reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning. The DNA cloning process involves the transferring of a DNA fragment from one organism to a self-replicating genetic element or a cloning vector such as a bacterial plasmid. This paper details the technology involved in reproductive cloning, which entails creating organisms with an identical genetic make-up to an already existing organism. This paper explores the benefits of cloning, including finding cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer and diabetes. This paper discusses the concerns which have been raised over the destruction of unwanted embryos and the potential risk of abuse in this specific area of science. The writer examines the fact that many countries currently permit stem cell research, which can be conducted only on in-vitro embryos or embryos that were discarded during infertility treatments.
From the Paper "In therapeutic cloning, concerns have been raised over the destruction of unwanted embryos, and the future abuse of such technology. The fear of abuse is, in fact, all too real since therapeutic cloning is just one step away from reproductive cloning. But the fear of eugenics or playing God is not the only ethical issue involved. For, opponents of the technology also argue that an embryo has life and the moral status of a person from the moment of conception. Therefore, it is immoral to kill the nascent life that is the embryo. Advocates of therapeutic cloning refute this argument by pointing out that the technology holds the promise of curing millions of adults of hitherto incurable diseases, and, therefore, the life of an already living being should be valued far more than one that has yet to fully form."
Abstract This paper looks at emotions and how they are controlled physiologically. It examines Candace Pert's theories of ligand/receptor interactions, and the nervous system/immune system/endocrine system network which she believes controls emotions.
From the Paper "Receptors are considered the first component of the molecules of emotion by Pert and ligands are considered the second. A receptor is a specialized area on a cell surface that a ligand binds to. A ligand is a natural or man made substance which binds to its own specific receptor on the surface of a cell. The two fit together like a lock receptor and key ligand. The ligands bind briefly to their receptors initiating a change in the receptor which sets various events in motion within..."
Abstract This paper looks at muscular dystrophy, for which there is currently no treatment or cure, and discusses research looking into gene therapy and direct transplantation of myocytes as potential treatments in the future.
From the Paper "Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a general name for a group of genetic diseases that can affect the muscles anywhere in the body. Muscular Types of muscular dystrophy include Becker's MD, congenital MD, myotonic MD, Duchenne MD, Erb's Limb-girdle MD and ocular MD. The symptoms of MD will depend on the type of MD present but all will include weakness and loss of muscle mass. There is no cure as yet for MD nor is there any treatment but exercise is important in maintaining what muscles are still functioning..."
Abstract This paper argues that technologies for producing genetically modified food (GMF) should be applied cautiously since such food may be dangerous to human health, the environment, and the economy.
From the Paper "The progression of science holds out the promise of new technologies that can solve urgent human problems. Among these problems are the international challenges of human hunger, malnutrition, over-nutrition and disease. Much funding and energy to solve these problems is currently being directed towards developing technologies to genetically modify foods. These technologies can and already have yielded tremendous benefits in addressing human crises. One example is the recent introduction of golden rice, normal rice that has been..."
Abstract In this paper, the writer studies the Great White shark, examining relevant aspects to the shark. The writer looks at its habitat and reproductive behavior. The shark's feeding habits and migratory patterns are discussed in this article. The writer also discusses predators of the Great White shark and use by humans. Further, the writer offers a physical description of the Great White.
From the Paper "Great White sharks are a large species of shark as their name suggests. They belong to the Lamnidae family of vertebrates of the Carchardon genus species carcharias. They are streamlined swimmers with a torpedo-shaped body and a pointed snout. They have rough teeth arranged in several rows. The first two rows of teeth are used for grabbing and cutting prey, while the last row of teeth rotate into place when front teeth are broken ... "
Abstract In this article, the writer argues against cloning. The writer describes the kinds of cloning that have been used. Various objections to cloning including moral, ethical and technological concerns are examined in this paper. The writer also discusses controversial types of cloning, including reproductive and therapeutic cloning.
From the Paper "Three kinds of cloning have been used; molecular cloning for genetic research in which scientists must make millions of identical copies of genes of molecular size, in order to have sufficient material for testing; cell cloning which produces cell-lines with the same properties; and nuclear-cell transplantation which puts nuclei from the cells of early pre-implantation embryos into unfertilized eggs from which the nuclei have been removed. The first two kinds of cloning are often called research cloning. The third kind is called reproductive cloning."
This paper is an extensive discussion of stem cell research, especially its benefits, both medical and economic, and the question of funding especially from the government.
Abstract This paper stresses that any consideration of the costs of stem cell research must be balanced against the societal costs of the diseases and afflictions, which stem cell research might cure, and the economic benefit of a massive order of a cure, far exceeding what is being spent on stem cell research. The author points out that getting funding for stem cell research is currently uncertain, especially from the government because of actions by President Bush and questions about the availability of private funding. The paper states that Bush's calculations might be taken at face value as moral decisions, since he has likened the use of stem cells to abortion, which he also opposes on moral grounds; however, the decision also is clearly a political one intended to keep his conservative right-to-life base behind him. The paper includes several long quotations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Stem Cell Research
Problems Addressed
Costs
Economic Costs and Benefits
From the Paper "Numerous avenues of research are in the works, and spending on Parkinson's research will exceed $5.6 billion this year. The Food and Drug Administration has approved nearly a dozen drugs for treating Parkinson's. In 1997, approval was granted for a device that is surgically implanted in the brain to lessen the violent shaking experienced by some Parkinson's patients. In 1996, a gene was discovered that is believed responsible for a form of Parkinson's, and this may result in future innovative treatments. In spite of the range of therapies available to ease the disease's debilitating symptoms, treatments now on the market can neither replace the faulty nerve cells that cause the disease nor stop Parkinson's from progressing."
Abstract This paper discusses that science has proven that pesticides pose two separate yet related dangers. The writer notes that pesticides are everywhere in our environment and that children especially are exposed to them every day in their food and in the surfaces they touch. The writer points out that firstly, they cause various health problems, including cancer and that secondly, they attack the immune system. Thus, the writer shows that they not only create challenges for the immune system but they also make it unable to do its job.
From the Paper "Pesticides have served mankind since ancient times, mostly as insect repellents. More than fifteen hundred years before Christ, the Egyptians used natural preparations to get rid of fleas in their households. In the 1930s, a whole range of new products was developed to destroy or repel insects, rodents, fungi, weeds and other unwanted organisms. The most notorious of these new pesticides was DDT."
Abstract Many people would argue that if science can accomplish the task of human cloning we have an obligation to use it. Leon Kass, a modern philosopher, says that human cloning for reproductive purposes is wrong. After summarizing his position and that of Raanan Gillon, this paper argues in support of Kass' position, indicating why cloning is not just wrong, but why it is immoral.
Abstract Genetically modified foods have emerged as a topic of great controversy in recent years. As agricultural technology grows by leaps and bounds, the presence of enhanced and or modified foods becomes more ubiquitous at grocery stores and on dinner tables. However, this proliferation has been met with concern by many people who fear that the new foodstuffs will have environmental ethical and human consequences that the proponents of such items are as yet dimly aware. This paper explores the environmental implications of genetically modified food.
